Rampant illegal parking chokes Museum-Kanakakunnu stretch

Time of India

7 days ago

Thiruvananthapuram: Museum–Kanakakunnu stretch, one of Thiruvananthapuram's busiest and most iconic corridors, is in the grip of a growing crisis triggered by illegal parking and severe traffic congestion.
The issue, now drawing mounting criticism from commuters, local residents and civil society, has reached the office of city police.
The prime area, which includes major public institutions like the Napier Museum, Kanakakunnu Palace, Sooryakanthi Exhibition Grounds and a cluster of govt offices, is a daily hub of activities. However, due to a lack of proper parking facilities and ineffective enforcement, vehicles are frequently parked illegally, even directly in front of the Museum police station, leading to serious bottlenecks and traffic snarls.
A complaint submitted to the deputy commissioner of police (traffic), that was accessed by TOI, has outlined the gravity of the situation. It pointed out that vehicles are often left unattended in no-parking zones, obstructing the main roads and intersections leading to Kanakakunnu and Sooryakanthi. The complaint also highlighted the irony that such blatant violations are occurring right under the watch of the police.
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The complaint further points to poor road planning, especially in the Smart City-designed stretches, which have narrowed critical corridors in the name of urban beautification. This has compounded the congestion and created a gridlock situation during peak hours. It also criticised Thiruvananthapuram corporation for what was described as a lack of long-term vision in managing traffic and urban mobility.
The problem, according to the complaint, was not confined to the Museum area alone.
Localities like Kowdiar, Ulloor, Vellayambalam and Attakulangara are reportedly grappling with similar issues, where illegal parking disrupts normal traffic flow and burdens local law enforcement. Police personnel themselves are reportedly affected, as their access routes are often blocked, and additional manpower is required just to manage these violations.
A particularly serious concern raised in the petition is the danger posed during medical or fire emergencies.
Narrow roads choked with unauthorised vehicles could make it impossible for ambulances and fire engines to pass.
In response to the complaint, a senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the concerns and said steps were already being taken. "We have received the complaint and have started a preliminary assessment. There will be increased patrolling and towing operations in the affected areas, particularly around the Museum stretch.
We are also coordinating with the corporation authorities to identify permanent solutions, especially ahead of the festival season," the officer said.
According to DCP T Farash, he would take prompt action soon. However, he has yet to see the complaint.
The complaint has also requested the immediate removal of illegally parked vehicles near Museum police station and adjoining roads, sustained enforcement to deter repeat violations and the deployment of additional traffic personnel during peak hours and public events.